Democracy Hub: IGP has no moral right to investigate police excesses - ACP Agordzo

Dr. Benjamin Agbordzor, a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of the Ghana Police Service, has raised concerns about the neutrality of Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akufo Dampare, in investigating police conduct during the recent Democracy Hub demonstrations against illegal mining, known as galamsey.

Dr. Agbordzor contends that the IGP lacks the moral authority to conduct an impartial investigation into the police's actions during the arrest of the demonstration's leaders.

He expressed skepticism that an internal police investigation would yield no accountability, citing past incidents, such as the police response during the Let My Vote Count (LMVC) demonstrations in 2016, where prominent figures like Gabby Otchere-Darko were violently treated.

He noted that a committee set up to investigate those incidents ultimately cleared the police of any wrongdoing.

In light of these concerns, Dr. Agbordzor has called for the establishment of a Police Investigations Commission, an independent commission to address such matters more effectively, rather than relying on the Police Investigations and Standards Bureau (PIPS).

He criticized the recent treatment of demonstrators in police custody, highlighting violations of constitutional rights, including the denial of access to legal representation and the improper detention beyond the legally permissible 48-hour period.

He urged legal professionals to educate the public about their rights to help safeguard human rights in Ghana.

Additionally, he called on the President to intervene and ensure that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice addresses these critical issues.

Dr. Agbordzor shared his views in an interview with TV3 on September 28, 2024.